Is this PCIe 3.0 4x M.2 drive compatible with HP Z240 tower?

5pips49

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 7, 2025
Messages
168
I have the following drive:
Western Digital_SN530_NVMe_SSD (edit: M.2 form factor)
I have learned that the drive is PCIe 3.0 4x version 1.4. I found this information on the Sandisk web page. Sandisk is owned by Western Digital.

I have the following computer:
HP Z240 tower
I have learned that the computer has an (edit: M.2) slot for PCIe 3.0 4x.
However, I have not been able to figure out what versions of PCIe 3.0 4x are compatible. I know that there is a version 1.4 and a version 2.0.
 
Last edited:
^^ this, will work fine.

Worse case you can buy a PCIe to NVMe card if you have an open PCIe slot you could use that is x8 or x16, but even a PCIe 3 x4 slot is 4GB/s bandwidth which for day to day use will be fine anyways.
 
Just a follow up.... The only thing you need to deal with is what type of m.2 card do you have (Key Type)... There is A or E (Uncommon), B, M & B+M. M is the most common, but if you have an older stick it could be an issue. While it could be electrically compatible with the proper adapter, it may not physically fit if you aren't using compatible slots.
 
Just a follow up.... The only thing you need to deal with is what type of m.2 card do you have (Key Type)... There is A or E (Uncommon), B, M & B+M. M is the most common, but if you have an older stick it could be an issue. While it could be electrically compatible with the proper adapter, it may not physically fit if you aren't using compatible slots.
I am not sure what the specs are on each side for that aspect.
support website
https://support-en.sandisk.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/31759/related/1#subject1
the link for the manual doesn't work for me. I complained to their support for a while about that. Not sure if I will get anywhere.
M.2_slot.jpg

the numbers etched into the case seem weird or is it just me? they represent the dimensions of the M.2 drive.
Edit: they are 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110
 
Last edited:
...why I love PCIe
Just remember that while PCIe is electrically backwards/forwards compatible, that does not mean that your card will actually fit into the slot. Slot connector types (open back/front or closed) can limit larger cards, motherboard layout could make it that your x4, x8 or x16 card that is electrically compatible will not physically allow you to put it into the slot. Worst case you can use a slot extender (PCIe 1-4) but PCIe5 is VERY touchy (ie getting PCIe5 and not having it drop to 4 or 3) with slot extenders, especially if they are Chinesium in origin.
 
Last edited:
Slot connector types (open back/front or closed)
I am not finding good information about the slot connector types online. You are saying that there are 3 types--open front, open back, and closed?
Maybe the problem is that the search engine is returning results that are a different kind of PCI-e slot. It's talking about the kind that maybe you can put a large sound card, network card, or maybe video card in.
motherboard layout could make it that your x4, x8 or x16 card that is electrically compatible will not physically allow you to put it into the slot.
I don't understand. I doubt you are talking about the length measurement of the M.2 drive? More likely, you are saying that the M.2 drive fits into the slot but some of the M.2 drive is obstructed by something else on the motherboard.
Worst case you can use a slot extender...
Ok, I must be wrong in my previous sentence, then.
 
I am not finding good information about the slot connector types online. You are saying that there are 3 types--open front, open back, and closed?
Maybe the problem is that the search engine is returning results that are a different kind of PCI-e slot. It's talking about the kind that maybe you can put a large sound card, network card, or maybe video card in.

I don't understand. I doubt you are talking about the length measurement of the M.2 drive? More likely, you are saying that the M.2 drive fits into the slot but some of the M.2 drive is obstructed by something else on the motherboard.

Ok, I must be wrong in my previous sentence, then.
I meant for PCIe cards specifically in that example. Just as you need to worry about m.2 slot keys (could a A, B, M, B+M and could be SATA and/or PCIe) and physical size (fitting a 2280 into a slot made for 2240) you need to worry physically what type of slot you have. For example, you could use a PCIe x16 card in a x1 slot from an electrical standpoint. But the slot may have a a closed slot that blocks a larger card or VRM's (or other components) in the way of where a full or even 3/4 length card would seat.
 
the numbers etched into the case seem weird or is it just me? they represent the dimensions of the M.2 drive.
Edit: they are 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110

After the 22, it means the length of the NVME “stick” in millimeters. 80mm, 110mm, etc.
 
Back
Top